Today, Mississippians are suffering under the crushing weight of sky-high drug prices. Even though we live in one of the poorest states in the country, we have some of the highest per-person drug spending in the nation, forcing the many seniors and hard-working adults in our state to choose between life-saving medications and basic necessities. While big pharmaceutical companies rake in record profits , too many families in our state are left scrambling to afford insulin, heart medication, and other medicines that keep them alive.
But as I say to my congregation at Travelers Rest Baptist Church, with faith and advocacy,
change is possible. Today, I am here to advocate to our leaders in Washington to stand up, speak
out, and take action on this issue. President Trump, Senator Wicker and Senator Hyde-Smith,
you can help my congregation, my community, and my state. I don’t pretend to be an expert on
how government works in Washington, but I know that something must be done to rein in and
reform Big Pharma and protect families from bankruptcy. I believe that President Trump and our
Senators must move like a shepherd tending to his flock - protecting, guiding, and ensuring all of
us have access to the medicine we need to survive. I maintain faith in this administration to see
this through for all Mississippians.
It is important for all of us to know the facts regarding what is happening with the costs of
medications in our country. The pharmaceutical industry raises prices on essential medications
year after year, and at times, by more than 5,000 percent . At a time when more than half of
adults are worried about being able to afford prescription drugs, this industry hiked the price of
nearly 250 prescription drugs, and research shows they often do so without clinical justification .
Pharmaceutical companies need to be held accountable for boosting their profits at the expense
of American consumers. All signs point to Big Pharma as the true bad actor in the healthcare
industry.
Americans from both sides of the aisle agree that pharmaceutical companies are to blame for
rising drug prices. Without meaningful reforms, healthcare costs will continue to rise, leaving
Americans with few choices when it comes to affording lifesaving medications. No one should
have to skip doses or drain their savings just to stay alive, because access to affordable medicine
is essential for all Americans.
As I stated above, I have faith in President Trump and our Senators to see this through for all
Mississippians.
Respectfully,
Rev. Dr. General Bryant, Jr.
Pastor of Travelers Rest Baptist Church
Vicksburg, MississippiThis post is a paid advertisement.
